In-form Carey hits route 66 in Egypt

David Carey in action in last year's Fred Daly

David Carey's run to the quarter-finals of last year's Irish Amateur Close looked like something of a surprise at the time. Not any more. 

On Monday, the 18-year old Carton House (and former Hermitage) secondary school student made six birdies in a six under par 66 in the opening round of the 2015 Red Sea Little Venice Open on the Alps Tour in Egypt. Scores

This week's tournament at Sokhna Golf Club might not be the Masters but having finished tied 13th in his previous start on the satellite circuit, the young Dubliner is certainly making a few waves.

Having qualified five shots behind Stuart Grehan and Colm Campbell in the "Close" at Seapoint last June, Carey beat Greg Mungovan, former international Gary McDermott and Stephen Watts before falling to the eventual champion John-Ross Galbraith at the 17th in the quarter-finals. He then went on to play in the Carton House team that won the Fred Daly with victory of Galway in the All Ireland final.

Hooking up with multiple championship winner and respected PGA coach Noel Fox has proved to be a good move for 2011 Ulster Under 15 Boys champion, who is in his final year at school.

Combining golf and the Leaving Cert is never an easy equation to balance but he's taken his books to Egypt and so far, he's certainly getting top marks on the course.

At six under par he's the top amateur in the 102-strong field. tied for fourth with former European Tour player Julien Clement, four strokes behind England's Matt Wallace.